Sylvanian Orthodox Church
 | |
| Theology | Nazarene |
|---|---|
| Origin | 1741 AN |
| Region | Çakaristan |
| Members | app. 55 million |
| Leader | Patriarch Joseph Isperih |
| Headquarters | St. Stephanus Cathedral, Bhavybai |
| Languages | Classical Kaikian |
The Sylvanian Orthodox Church is a Nazarene church that operates within the Çakar Empire. It was formed as a merger of the Church of the Bulgarians, the Church of Slavonjans and the scattered churches of the Corian Orthodox Church in Bulqan. It has partial communion with the Corian Orthodox Church.
History
When the Corian part of Krasnocoria was split between Çakaristan and Hurmu, a split also occurred in the Corian Orthodox Church. The congregations in Çakaristan still considered themselves affiliated to the Archbishop and Patriarch of Mitrovska, but were not formally so. In the period up to 1720 AN, the status quo remained between the Corian Orthodox Church and the scattered congregations. This changed with the political movement of the Corian Orthodox Church through its declaration of the State of Coria. The scattered congregations kept affiliation with the declaration at bay for fear of possible repercussions in Çakaristan.
At the time, there was already informal contact with the Church of the Bulgarians and the Church of Slavonjans, which as a whole fell into Çakari territory. That informal contact became more formal by starting the cooperation process called ‘Together on the Road’, which in principle led to full communion between the scattered congregations of the Corian Orthodox Church, the Church of the Bulgarians and the Church of Slavonjans. Further cooperation turned out to be a prelude to merging. The Synod of Bhavybai in 1741 AN decided on full merging.
All sorts of compromises were made, such as on the name and headquarters. The city of Salafuabad was mentioned as the headquarters, but in the end Bhavybai was chosen because it is more centrally located among its members. The name was a diplomatic choice to gain acceptance from the government in Agra. The authoritative Joseph Isperih was chosen as patriarch.
St. Stephanus Cathedral in Bhavybai, the headquarters of the church
Patriarch Joseph Isperih, head of the church
Canonical status and organization
The Sylvanian Orthodox Church considers itself an inseparable member of the holy and orthodox church and is organized as a self-governing body under the name of patriarchate. It is divided into dioceses within the boundaries of the Çakar Empire. The dioceses are divided according to the districts of the former Krasnocoria with additions within the borders of Çakaristan. In addition, the Sylvanian Orthodox Church has several convents.
The supreme clerical, judicial and administrative power for the whole domain of the Sylvanian Orthodox Church is exercised by the Holy Synod, headed by the Patriarch.
